The first week of life is one of rapid changes for both you and your baby.
Day 1 (birth to 24 hours)
- For the first hours after birth, your baby may be quietly awake and alert
- After the first feeding, your baby may fall into a deep relaxed sleep, waking occasionally to feed or to cluster feed (frequent small feeds within a short time)
- Many newborns don’t show signs of wanting to feed. Some babies need to spit up mucus and recover from birth. If your baby does not show signs of wanting to eat, keep your baby skin-to-skin with gentle massage to help your baby wake and cue to feed
- The first milk your body makes is called colostrum. It contains many antibodies to protect your baby. It also acts as a natural laxative. It is normal for some women to leak colostrum in pregnancy
Day 2 (24 hours to 48 hours)
- Your baby may be waking and cueing to feed more often (about every 1/2 to 3 hours)
- Your baby may have 1 to 2 long periods of cluster feedings
- Your baby will be alert during feedings, and have a strong suck with the lower jaw moving as your baby obtains colostrum (early milk). You will hear quiet swallowing
Day 3 (48 hours to 72 hours)
- Your baby will wake and cue to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours
- Feedings may not be spaced evenly. They may consist of feeds spaced 2 to 3 hours apart mixed with 1 or 2 long periods of cluster feedings
- You will be able to hear your baby swallowing during every feeding
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
Day 1 (birth to 24 hours)
Your baby will have 1 or more damp diapers, the urine may have a pink or orange sediment (crystals) which is normal for the first two days. Your baby will have dark sticky stooling called meconium.
Day 2 (24 hours to 48 hours)
Your baby will have 2 or more damp diapers and 1 to 3 or more stools that appear green in colour.
Day 3 (48 hours to 72 hours)
Your baby will have 3 or more heavy wet diapers. Urine will be light yellow or clear. There will be 1 to 3 or more stools that change in colour from greenish brown to yellow.
Day 4 and beyond
Minimum of 4 heavy wet diapers increasing to 6 or more heavy wet diapers in 24 hours by day six. Your baby will have at least 4 loose seedy stools every 24 hours. Stools should be easily passed.
Note: Stools will be at least the size of the palm of your baby’s hand and not just a stain in the diaper.
After the first week, you will know your baby is doing well when he or she:
- Has 6 to 8 heavy, wet diapers in 24 hours
- Has pale-coloured urine
- Has soft, easily passed stools
- Has regained birth weight by 2 weeks
- Gains 120 to 210 grams (4 to 7 ounces) per week for the first 4 months
- Wakens to be fed at least 8 times in 24 hours
Am I making enough milk for my baby?
Almost all women are able to make enough milk for their babies. The more your baby breastfeeds the more milk your body produces. This is called “supply and demand” Your breastmilk production will keep up with the baby’s needs. Good nutrition, plenty of fluids (without caffeine) and rest will support the production of breastmilk.